San Gabriel Arcangel. Feast Day, March 22nd or 24th. Gabriel is the preeminent messenger, appearing to Daniel to explain things to him and to Zechariah and Mary to announce and explain the coming births of John the Baptist and Jesus. The Franciscans revered him greatly because of his association with Christ's humanity. Hense he is also associated with the Eucharist and often holds a monstrance. The angelito on a few New Mexican crucifixes who holds a chalice to catch the blood from the wound in Jesus'side should probably be identified as Gabriel. Winged, holding a monstrance, a chalice, a censer, or the trumpet with which he will announce the end of the world; he sometimes also holds a lilly or a palm and is occasionaly crowned.
For enlightenment, for good works, announcing our arrival in heaven; protecting small children.
